9 Best Strategies to End Corporate Rule

Corporate power is behind the politics of climate denial, Wall Street bailouts, union busting, and media consolidation, to name just a few. But real people have power, too. Here are some of our most successful strategies.

The power of corporations in politics and in our daily lives can seem insurmountable. They’ve got piles of cash, and no qualms about spending big to get their own way. The latest issue of YES! Magazine is a look at ways to shift the balance of power back toward real people. Here are nine strategies to put people back in charge.

There are powerful means already in place to hold corporations accountable: Deny them government contracts, revoke their charters, use lawsuits to hold them accountable for the damage they cause. We have the tools. We just need to use them.

Cell phones and the Internet have been key components of mass movements from Egypt to Europe to the United States. They’re a threat to corporate power and oppressive governments. That’s why corporations are working hard to limit access to phones and the Net. Citizen groups are fighting back—and winning.

6. Protect the commons from private interests.

The profit motive often gets in the way of the public good. The corporation that supplied electricity to Boulder, Colo., didn’t listen when citizens asked for clean energy, so now Boulder’s making its electricity a public utility. The things we own in common and the necessities of life shouldn’t be owned by corporations. Time to take them back.

Even though corporations can now spend unlimited money in campaigns, we can make them tell where they’re spending it. Publicly funded elections let citizens run for office without selling out. We trust juries with justice—citizen juries can also sort out false from true on campaign issues. And recall elections can keep runaway politicians in check.

The “Move Your Money” campaign is going big time. Cities, universities, and faith organizations are moving billions from the big corporate banks to local banks and credit unions. And you can make your personal finances—from everyday purchases to long-term investments—send a message that you’re through supporting the big corporations.